Can anyone tell me what this divot in the clutch cover is for? It's in between the oil filter cover and water pump cover (just below the center bolt in this picture). Mine always has oil in it. It's a 2010 690R, I've got a buddy with a 2012 and his as the same divot but is not full of oil.

After pulling the cover I figured out there is actually a machined plug (set-screw) inside this divot. Mine had backed out a bit causing the oil leak. Cheap easy repair so I'm happy!

I too sold my klr to purchase the 690. There are things I miss about the klr but I would never go back. The klr is super easy to work on but I feel the 690 wont be too difficult when I read up on the FI.

I too sold my klr to purchase the 690. There are things I miss about the klr but I would never go back. The klr is super easy to work on but I feel the 690 wont be too difficult when I read up on the FI.

It was a bit of weak humor.
I had a 400 plus pound "enduro" once. I'll never go back.
Actually I'm considering an EXC. As soon as my dealer gets off his duff and stocks one that I can take for a spin I'll think about throwing some of my hard earned cash his way.

I too sold my klr to purchase the 690. There are things I miss about the klr but I would never go back. The klr is super easy to work on but I feel the 690 wont be too difficult when I read up on the FI.

Way off topic but I think the KLX makes the KLR obsolute. Along with my 690 I have a KLX250 w/351 BB, stroker, pumper carb, KX250 suspension AND modified subframe that can easily carry 150lbs.

On the freeway top speed is the same as the KLR, vibes are about the same, I can pack MORE weight if I wanted to AND I've got 90,000 KM with no mechanical problems! I can't comment on which is easier to work on but the KLX is pretty easy.

Off road it's 150 lbs less than the KLR650 (45 less than my 690) and of course the suspension beats the 690 (not fair - KX250 suspension customized to me vs stock 690) and absolutely blows away the KLR.

On the move, no problem. Slower technical or in traffic my '12 get damn hot. It has never gone past 11 bars and the fan seems to bring it back down quickly but I noticed the other day a little coolant leaked past my rad cap (??) Gave the cap a little twist to tighten it up and will monitor. Likely when I shut the hot bike off the heat kept building without the benefit of the fan coming on. Seems to me having it run a bit cooler with the fan coming on lower would be a benefit. I know there was some debate about whether lower the operating temp was good or not but I think changing the switch doesn't result in the bike being taken out of it's operating temp range so I can't see the issue. Probably going to order the Kawi switch.

Anybody know what the temp actually is at 11-12 bars. Mines been there in the same situation and hasn't blown up. Maybe that's in the manual if i can find it...

That's all fine and good, but for those without a pile of mechanical ability and time that KLX is going to cost as much as a new 690. Probably close to double the price of a KLR. Plus the 690 has a TON more power than any KLX could ever hope to make.

Maybe when Kawasaki makes that bike from factory for a reasonable price (why on earth don't they??) I'll consider it, but for now my 690 is the way to go.

On the move, no problem. Slower technical or in traffic my '12 get damn hot. It has never gone past 11 bars and the fan seems to bring it back down quickly but I noticed the other day a little coolant leaked past my rad cap (??) Gave the cap a little twist to tighten it up and will monitor. Likely when I shut the hot bike off the heat kept building without the benefit of the fan coming on. Seems to me having it run a bit cooler with the fan coming on lower would be a benefit. I know there was some debate about whether lower the operating temp was good or not but I think changing the switch doesn't result in the bike being taken out of it's operating temp range so I can't see the issue. Probably going to order the Kawi switch.

Got my fan running all day long during the kings stage on the Tuareg rally 2011 (250km of dunes) never got it to boil over. Neither in very technical and slow riding in Spain. So why fix something which aint broken.

On the move, no problem. Slower technical or in traffic my '12 get damn hot. It has never gone past 11 bars and the fan seems to bring it back down quickly but I noticed the other day a little coolant leaked past my rad cap (??) Gave the cap a little twist to tighten it up and will monitor. Likely when I shut the hot bike off the heat kept building without the benefit of the fan coming on. Seems to me having it run a bit cooler with the fan coming on lower would be a benefit. I know there was some debate about whether lower the operating temp was good or not but I think changing the switch doesn't result in the bike being taken out of it's operating temp range so I can't see the issue. Probably going to order the Kawi switch.

Way off topic but I think the KLX makes the KLR obsolute. Along with my 690 I have a KLX250 w/351 BB, stroker, pumper carb, KX250 suspension AND modified subframe that can easily carry 150lbs.

On the freeway top speed is the same as the KLR, vibes are about the same, I can pack MORE weight if I wanted to AND I've got 90,000 KM with no mechanical problems! I can't comment on which is easier to work on but the KLX is pretty easy.

Off road it's 150 lbs less than the KLR650 (45 less than my 690) and of course the suspension beats the 690 (not fair - KX250 suspension customized to me vs stock 690) and absolutely blows away the KLR.

I put 50,000km on a KLR over 18 months, and wouldn't have swapped it for any other bike - gravel roads mostly, and some bitumen as well - never missed a beat - have only ridden a KLX250 for a short spell, but have difficulty seeing the comparison ...

Way off topic but I think the KLX makes the KLR obsolute. Along with my 690 I have a KLX250 w/351 BB, stroker, pumper carb, KX250 suspension AND modified subframe that can easily carry 150lbs.

On the freeway top speed is the same as the KLR, vibes are about the same, I can pack MORE weight if I wanted to AND I've got 90,000 KM with no mechanical problems! I can't comment on which is easier to work on but the KLX is pretty easy.

Off road it's 150 lbs less than the KLR650 (45 less than my 690) and of course the suspension beats the 690 (not fair - KX250 suspension customized to me vs stock 690) and absolutely blows away the KLR.

I must have been riding a completely different KLX. The stock suspension is the worst I've ever experienced off road. Its soft, wallows, and instills a complete lack of confidence. The WR450 suspension was a league above and the YZ450 a league above that. Yes, the 690 stock suspenders are a bit harsh, but easily remedied and I'm very happy with how they're performing right now. Maybe its different strokes for different folks.